Focus
Volleyball season starting up. Soccer season just ahead. School books to order. Planning to be done. Portfolios to put together.
And in the next two weeks I have 4 projects to hurdle over. The kind of projects that have other people involved. The kind of projects that I can't put off or avoid by pulling my pillow over my head
And I'm afraid I've let my mind begin to stew and simmer and, dare I say it, obsess and worry.
Until this morning my eyes popped open at 3:00 a.m. and I had the old familiar feelings of panic that always crop up when that stewing and simmering and obsessing and worrying are allowed to go on unchecked.
I knew right away I had lost my focus. My eyes were on my to do lists; my mind was trying to rise to the pressures of thinking everything through; my focus was on others expectations, my ability to meet them . . . and the resulting fear of not coming through.
At 6:00 a.m., the radio popped on, and I heard:
I will lift my eyes to the Maker of the mountains I can't climb I will lift my eyes to the Calmer of the oceans raging wild I will lift my eyes to the Healer of the hurt I hold inside I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You Ah, yes, sweet reminder. He is my Maker, my Helper, my Healer. I was never intended to do life all alone. I was never intended to do life gripped by fear. I was intended to do life with Him by my side, and His sweet unconditional acceptance and unshakeable love renewing my strength every day. Time to lift my eyes . . . and calm my mind.
You will guard and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind is stayed on you because he commits himself to you, leans on you, and hopes confidently in you.
(images - tinywhitedaisies)
this was so encouraging...I struggle with the same things...saying a prayer for you this morning. One day at a time, one project at a time, one moment at a time.
ReplyDeleteShelley,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post on so many levels! Love the photos you used...to me they are such a beautiful illustration of your message. Despite the fact that pieces of the picture are blurred -representing everything we don't know, or can't predict the outcome, or are beyond our ability to see - when we allow Him to lead and guide us, it makes for a beautiful picture even with the unknowns.
Your post also brings to mind a framed print that hung in our home when I was growing up. It was a Victorian-type rendering of a robin and a sparrow. The poem read:
Said the robin to the sparrow,
I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush around and worry so.
Said the sparrow to the robin,
Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me.
Unfortunately, I for one, can so relate to your post. This was such an encouraging reminder to keep a steadfast mind! xo Sue
p.s. LOVING that new banner!!!
Oh how true girls! Last week some panic surged from out of the blue and I had to stop and realize It was not for me to fret over. Last year I bought the most crazy sweet old cross stitched piece that has Sue's little poem above on it. The birds always serve as a reminder and I am thanking you for that reminder as well. Thankyou for your authenticity Shelley! WE must keep our minds stayed on Him. We must. We know it full well, and we see how well He works it all out time and time again, yet we still go back to our fixing and fretting don't we girl? I sometimes then remind myself that I am really only 8 (in eternal years.....not dog years!) and I hop back into our heavenly Father's lap. He's a good daddy and eight year old's can't wait to get out of bed and see what the day's journey holds:) Enjoy the ride sweet Shelley!! I am working on that too:) Yes, Love the banner!!
ReplyDeleteHi Shelley....I've been on a blogging hiatus, but I just checked in for the first time in a while and your post couldn't have touched me more :) Hope you are well...hang on through this busy season...I'll say a prayer for you :)
ReplyDeleteI was not raised with a belief system...although i feel now i have my own and appreciate others in a way i would fail miserably at describing...i love to read your little offerings of calm, peace and uplifting...all the best...sweet day :)
ReplyDeleteHi Shelley!
ReplyDeleteI've missed reading your posts. I haven't had much computer time lately, and have stopped blogging for a while.
What a beautiful post it was and I, like the other women who commented, was touched by it and reminded that I am not alone. It was a wonderful thing to read first thing this morning.
I hope you have a great week.
Love,
Gena
ahhhh that header is sublime. You always do such good work with that.
ReplyDeleteThis post is right on. Exactly what I've been thinking about to as I venture into my weight loss path.
Thinking of you, The Lady of the House
Shelley...hope all is well with you! Miss you!
ReplyDeleteHi Shelley:
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen a post from you for a while. Hope all is well!
Hi Shelley,
ReplyDeleteYou've been popping across my little scattered brain often...just came over to say "hi" and to let you know that you are missed! I know you mentioned that you had projects galore...hope they are all going well and one day WHEN the dust settles {or you get rid of the dust...whichever} we'll see you back in blogland! Xo, Sue